Amusement apparatus



J. H. M MAHON ET AL Re. 22,706

AMUSEMENT APPARATUS Jan. 8, 1946. i

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Oct. 27; 1937 INVENTORS I JOHN HMQMAHQNAm'nua w mLu-ze a qTTORNEY I Jan. 8, 1946. I J. H. MCMAHON ETALAMUSEMENT APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Opt. 27, 1937INVENTGRS JOHN H. McMAHON ARTHUR \ALMILLER BY v H ATTQRNEY J 8 19 6. J.H. MCMAHON ET AL 22,706

AMUS EMENT APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 27, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 3:E'IELE a7 INVENTORS JOHN H. FICMAHON ARTHUR W. MILLER ab w ATTORNEAMPLIFIER 43 PEOJECTOQ um F wl I l l s I Jan; 8, 1 946; I MCMAHON ETALRe. 22,706

AMUSEMENT APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 27, 19:57 4 sheetssheet 4INVENTORS JOHN H. cMAHON ARTHUR .MlLLER BY I gAT onnzY Reissued Jan. 8,1946 AMUSEMENT APPARATUS John H. McMahon, El Cerrit'o, and Arthur W.Miller, Albany, Calif.

Original No. 2,189,638, dated November 21-, 1939,

Serial No. 171,236, October 27, 1937;

Application for reissue September 17, 1941, Serial No.

25 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic coin-operated devices used forpublic amusement.

It is an object of the invention to provide apparatus which willsimultaneously exhibit and reproduce a visual and a related audibleprogram.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the characterdescribed which permits a selection of any one of a plurality ofprograms.

A further object of the invention is to provide simple and efficientmechanism for effecting the selection of the various programs.

Still another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of theclass referred to which simplified to a point where the skill of servicemen attending it need not be of a high o specialized order.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, together with the foregoing, will be specifically set forth inthe detailed description of the invention hereunto annexed. It is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the particularspecies thereof shown and described, as various other enibodimentsthereof may be employed within the scope of the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of our invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus. The plane ofsection in which the view is taken is indicated by the line 2-2 ofFigure 1.

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the apparatus. the line 33 ofFigure 2.

Figure 4 is a schematic wiring diagram showing the connection betweenthe various electrical components of the apparatus.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view of the apparatus. The plane ofsection is indicated by the line 5-5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of one of the selector relays.

Figure '7 is an end elevational view of the structure shown in Figure 6with the protecting cover for the switch removed.

Describing the invention in detail, the apparatus comprises a cabinet 8having side walls 9, a top II, a bottom floor l2, and a front panelconsisting of a lower perpendicular portion l3 and a rearwardly inclinedupper portion I4. On the inner surface of the panel portion I3 ismounted a dynamic sound reproducer I6 and an aperture II in the paneloverlying the reproducer provides a vent for the sound waves emanatingfrom The plane of section is indicated by the diaphragm. The usual"sheet of fabric I 8 is placed within the aperture ll to prevent entryof dust particles into the magnetic gap of the speaker. In an aperture19, in the panel portion l3, above the speaker aperture I1, is the usualcoin-operated program selector 2| having a coin chute 22, a plurality ofpush buttons 23 by means of which various programs may be selected, andcard holders 24 which contain the title and other information relativeto the programs which will be seen and heard by depressing thepush-buttons. In the upper inclined portion I4 of the panel is arelatively large rectangular opening 25 in which is mounted a motionpicture screen, which may be made of the particular type of fabricgenerally used for exhibiting daylight movies but which is preferably asheet of frosted glass 21 secured to the cabinet by a frame 28.

Mounted substantially centrally of the cabinet floor I2 is a pedestalhaving a centrally bored hub 29 supported on legs 3| which are secured,by screws 32 passing through a flange 33 forming an integral part of thelegs, to the cabinet. Fixedly secured at one end in the bore of the hub29, and extending upwardly axially of the latter, is a tubular post 34upon which is journaled the hub 35 of a turntable. A thrust bearing 31is provided between the lower end of the hub 36 and the upper end of thehub 29 to assist free rotation of the former hub on the post 34. Spacedequidistantly around the periphery of a flange 38, formed at the upperend of the hub 36, and se cured thereto by means of bolts 39, are aplurality of brackets 4| each having a downwardly and outwardly slopingupper surface 42 upon which is mounted a motion picture projector unit43. As will be pointed out later, each projector unit is a duplicate ofthe others and includes the usual light source, projecting lens and filmactuating mechanism, so that each unit may project a different film.

The slope of the surfaces 42 is such that, as each projector unit ismoved into the position of the projector unit shown to the left ofFigure 2, the light beam 44 therefrom will be directed on to the surfaceof a mirro 46, supported by a frame 41 secured at its ends to the sidewalls 9 of the cabinet and extending across the back 01 the latter,which will reflect the beam on to the rear surface of the screen 21 asindicated by the dotted lines 48. This construction, by folding thelight beam, permits sufficient "throw of the beam to produce a pictureof about 16 by '22 inches on the screen 21 with a depth of the cabinetof ap roximately 2 /2 feet; Each profilm past a photoelectric cell 58and the exciter lamp 59 therefor which translate the sound track on thefilm into a train of electrical impulses, over guide rollers GI and 62and back into the repeater through an opening 63 in the cover thereof.The usual projection lamp 64 and driving motor 66, indicated in thewiring diagram of Figure 4 but not shown' in the other figures, are

provided in each of the projectors 43. Mounted on each projector, bymeans of a bracket 61, is a block 6-8 of insulating material havingfixed thereto, as is best shown in Figure 3, a plurality of spring metalcontact arms 69 which extend toward the axis of the post 34 and restagainst the periphery of a drum II of insulating material which isfixedly attached to the upper end of the post 34 by means of a nut I2.Embedded in the periphery of the drum 'II are a plurality of metalliccontact segments I3, onefor each of the contact arms contained on eachblock 68. Four of these contact segments are connected by wires, notshown, running downwardly through the hollow post 34, with an amplifier14 which provides audio-frequency energy to actuate the speaker I6, andthe remaining two contact segments carry current to energize the lamp 64and motor 66 of the projector.

Means is provided for rotating the turntable to position a selected oneof the projectors 43 to cast its light beam onto the reflecting mirror46. Secured to the lower end of the turntable hub 36 is a worm gear I6meshing with a worm 11, best shown in Figure 5, which is fixed forrotation with a shaft I8 journaled in a bracket I9 mounted on a portion,preferably the legs 3|, of the fixed pedestal. The shaft I8 isconnected, through a flexible coupling 8|, with the shaft of a motor 82which is mounted on a bracket 83 secured by screws 84 to the cabinetfioor I2. A bracket 86, secured to and extending from the 1 motorbracket 83, supports a solenoid brake 81 which is secured to the motorshaft and whose function will be described presently. An arm 88, havingat its distal end a cam 89, is secured to and rotatable with the wormgear I6 so that the cam will move past the ends of armatures 9| ofsolenoid switches 92 mounted in spaced relation around the pedestal on aflange 93 formed integrally with the pedestal. One of the solenoidswitches is shown in detail in Figures 6 and 7 and comprises aninsulating sleeve 94 in which the armature 9| is axially slidable, a pin96 secured in the sleeve being provided and working in a keyway 91 inthe armature to prevent rotation of the latter with respect to thesleeve. Wound on a portion of the sleeve 94 is an actuating coil 98 andaround the coil is an iron shell 99 forming part of a ferro-magneticcircuit which also consists of an iron plate I8I secured by screws I82to a flange I03 at one end of the shell 99 and a divided sleeve I84which is formed as an integral part of the shell at the opposite end ofthe latter and is positioned closely adjacent the armature 9| beinginsulated therefrom by the insulating sleeve 94. One end of the armatureis bored out to frictionally receive and retain an insulating bushinglflli whichis centrally. bored and into which is pressed the shank I0'Iof a switch saves blade I08. This switch blade, when the armature ismoved axially, is adapted to enter between and engage spaced contactsI09 which are mounted on an insulating disk I I l secured to the shell99. A cover I I2 is adapted to frictionally telescope over the end ofthe shell 99 so as to protect the switch against dirt and damage. Itwill be seen that, when the coil 98 is energized, the armature 9| willmove to the left, being impelled by the flux in the magnetic circuit,which will project the end of the armature into the path of movement ofthe cam 89 and simultaneously'close the switch comprising the contactsI09 and the blade I08. As the worm gear 16 rotates, the cam will contactthe end of the armature causing the latter to move to the right to itsnormal position and opening the switch. What occurs when the switch isopened and closed will be described presently.

Referring to the'wiring diagram of Figure 4, a pair of power leads H3and H4 are provided, which are connected to a suitable source of alternating current, the former lead being connected to one end of theprimary winding IIB of a stepdown transformer I I1, continuing throughbranched leads IIB to one contact I09 of each of the solenoid switches92, through a lead II9 to a brush contact bearing against a metallicdisk I2I and through a lead I22 to one contact of a relay I23. The diskI2l is a timing device which limits the operating time of each projector43 being driven, through a suitable gear system I24, by a synchronousinduction motor I26. A small segment I21 of insulating material isprovided in the periphery of the disk upon which normally rests a brushcontact I28. The ratio of the gearing I24 is dependent on how much filmis contained in the repeater magazines 49. Since the feeding speed of 16m./m. sound film is approximately A 35 feet per minute the disk wouldcomplete one revolution in a minute if the magazine contained 35 feet offilm, one revolution in two minutes if the magazine contained 70 feet offilm, and so forth. It is, of course, necessary that each magazinecontain the same length of film in order that the timer will operateproperly with each projector.

The power lead 4 is connected to the opposite end of the primary windingof the transformer III, through a branch lead I29 to one terminal of themotor 82, and to one end of the actuating coil I3I of the solenoid brake81. A branch lead I32, also a continuation of the power lead II 4,connects with one of the power input terminals of the amplifier I4 andan extension lead I33 connects the latter terminal with one inputterminal of the motor I26. Another extension lead I34 connects the leadI32 with one of the contact segments 13 which connects with a contactarm 69 and a lead I36 connected to one contact of both the projectionlamp 64 and the projector driving motor 66. The other terminals of thelamp and motor are connected to. a lead I31 which is attached to anotherof the contact arms 69 and is engageable by another of the contactsegments I3, and a lead I38 connects the latter contact segment with theother power input terminal of the amplifier. A continuation lead I39 ofthe lead I38 connects with the brush contact I28 of the timer and with aterminal of each of the motor I26 and the relay I23.

The coin-operated selector switch 2I is provided with a low voltageinput lead I4I, which connects with one end of the secondary winding I42of the transformer III, and with five leads-'- I which connect.respectively, with one end of each of the coils 93 of the selectorrelays 92. The other end of each coil is connected to a common lead Iwhich runs to the other end of the secondary winding of the transformerIII. The

- rupted. A lead I46 connects the lead I4I with one terminal of a relayI41 associated with and operable by the solenoid brake I34, a lead I43connects the other terminal oi this relay with the actuating coil of therelay I23, and a lead I49 connects the other end of the coil of therelay I23 with the lead I. The relay 1 closes vionly when the brake 81of the motor 82 is released, the brake being normally set by the coilspring II when the motor is inactive.

In operation, assuming that the program represented by the uppermostpushbutton No. 1 is selected, a coin is inserted in the slot 22 whichunlocks the pushbuttons and allows the one selected to be depressed.This establishes contact within the selector switch which permitscurrent to flow from the lead I II through the upper lead I43, throughthe coil of the selector relay furthest to the right, and back to thetransformer secondary winding I42, via the lead I. This, as wasdescribed above, causes the armature 91 of the relay to be projectedinto the path of movement of the cam 89 and bridges the contacts I09. Assoon as the latter contacts close, circuit is established through thelead I I3, the continuation lead H8. and the common lead I52, whichconnects with a contact of each relay 92, to the motor 82 and to thesolenoid brake coil I3I connected in parallel with the latter. Thecircuit continues through the lead I29 back to the other power lead II4. As soon as the motor is energized, the solenoid brake will bereleased and the relay I41 will close. .The motor 82 will now continueto rotate until the cam 89 engages the protruding armature 9| whereuponthe armature will be depressed and the contacts IIIB simultaneouslyopened thereby breaking the motor circuit, de-energizing the coil of thesolenoid brake and allowing the brake. under the influence of the springI 5| to stop the motor practically instantaneously. This will havebrought the projector unit 43 containing the film desired to be seeninto correct position permitted current to flow, from the secondarywinding of the transformer, through the lead I46, the aforementionedrelay contacts, the lead I48, the coil of the relay I23, the lead IE9,and the lead I back to the transformer. This caused the relay I23 toclose which allowed current to flow from the power lead II 3 through theleads H9 and I22, through the closed contacts of the relay I23, throughthe lead I39 to the motor I26, to the contact brush I28 and to the leadI33 connected to one or the contact segments I3. The other high voltagecontact segment I3, the amplifier input terminal, and the other terminalof the motor I23 are permanently connected to the other power lead IIIas before described. The established circuits have caused the motor I23to run,

the amplifier I! to be energized, which allows a the amplifier tubes tobe heated to emission temperature, and the high voltage contact segmentsI3 to he energized .so that as soon as the projector is brought intoposition and the contact arms '69 thereof engage the contact segments"I3 the lamp 64 will be lighted and the motor 86 will be started. Theindexing of the projector into position will also establish contactbetween the exciter lamp 59 and the leads I53 which may carry directcurrent or high frequency alternating current, the latter being suppliedby an oscillator within the amplifier, and will establish connectionbetween the photoelectric cell 58 and the signal input terminals of theamplifier through the leads 154. The amplifier signals taken from thesound track of the film will be red to the speaker I5 through theamplifier output leads I56. Leads 151, also from the amplifier, providecurrent for the field coil of the speaker.

When the selected projector unit has been indexed into position and themotor 82 stops, the relay I41 will open as will the relay I23. Theopening of the latter relay will not, however, break the circuits to theprojector and amplifier which it previously established for the reasonthat the motor I25, which was also energized when the relay I23 closed,in operating for a short interval of time rotated the disk I2I so thatthe brush contact I28 moved off of the insulating segment I21 therebybridging the relay contacts and maintaining the flow of current to theamplifier, the projector and the motor I26 after the contacts of therelay I23 opened. This maintenance of the circuits will continue duringthe time necessary for the disk I2I to complete one revolution to bringthe insulating segment I2I under the contact. brush I23 whereupon thesupply of current from the lead I I9, which is part of the power leadH3, will be interrupted causing the de-energization of the projector,amplifier and timing motor I26. This completes one cycle of operation ofthe apparatus and conditions it for the selection of another programwhich latter may be accomplished by depositing a coin in the slot 22 anddepressing one of the other pushbu'ttons 23, whereupon the entire cycleof operation described above will be repeated.

The amusement apparatus of our invention just described is quitecompact, as will be noted, thereby requiring but little floor space forits installation and rendering it desirable in small places of amusementwhere there is very little available space. The apparatus iscomparatively trouble-free being constructed sufllciently rugged towithstand greater than ordinary rougliiisage. In addition to thesedesirable features, 'there are no complicated cam motions, as in otherlike devices, which are likely to slip and require the services ofhighly skilled and paid mechanics to correct.

We claim:

1. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet, 8. picture screen insaid cabinet, a pedestal mounted in said cabinet, said pedestal having apost rising therefrom and an annular flange surrounding said post, aturntable journaled on said post, a plurality of picture projectorscarried by said turntable, a worm gear on said turntable, a wormjournaled on said pedestal and meshing with said worm gear ,a motor insaid cabinet operatively connected to rotate said worm, worm gear andturntable to move successive picture projectorspast a position belowsaid picture screen, a plurality of electricswitches mounted on saidpedestal flange and connected to contrcl the operation of said motor,means carried by said turntable to engage and actuate a selected one ofsaid switches to fix a selected oneof said pictureprojectors in saidposition below the picture screen to project light rays away from saidscreen, and means in said cabinet and disposed in the path of saidprojected light rays for intercepting said light rays and directing themtowardsaid screen.

2. Anamusement apparatus comprising a cabinet, a picture screenin saidcabinet, a pedestal mounted in said cabinet, said pedestal having a postrising therefrom'and an annular flange surrounding said'post, aturntable'journaled on said post, a plurality of picture projectorscarried by said turntable, a; worm gear'on said turntable, said wormgear having fixed thereto and extending therefrom an arm provided with acam surface movable when said'worm gear is rotated in an arcuate pathabout the axis of said post, a worm journaled on said pedestal andmeshing with said worm gear, a motor in said cabinet operativeiyconnected to rotate said worm, worm gear and turntable to movesuccessive picture projectors past a position below said picture screen,a plurality of electric switches mounted on said pedestal flange andconnected to start and stop said motor, each of said switches comprisingan operating element extendible into the path of movement of said camsurface when the switch is closed and retractible by engagement of thecam surface therewith, during movement of the latter, to open saidswitch, said closing and opening of a selected switch respectivelystarting the rotation of the turntable and stopping. said rotation at apredetermined point to fix a selected picture projector in said positionbelow the picture screen to project light rays in a direction awa fromsaid screen, and an element having a light reflecting-surface thereonmounted in said cabinet in the path of said projected light rays fordirecting said light rays toward said picture screen.

3. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet provided with a picturescreen,- a rotatable support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said support in such manner as to bemovable past. said screen,

a motor for imparting movement to said support: selective control meansfor said motor, said control means including independently operableselective motor disabling means operable by movement of said support forarresting movement of the motor in such manner as to place a preselectedprojecting unit in operative projecting relation with respect to saidscreen.

4. An amusement apparatus comprising-a cabinet provided with a picturescreen, a rotatable support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said support in such manner as to bemovable past said screen,

a motor for imparting movement to said support, a pluralityofindependently operable selector devices controlling said motor, therebeing one selective device for each projecting unit, and means forselectively operating any pre-selected selector device tostartthe'motor, each of said selector'devices including independentlyoperable motor disabling means operable by rotative movement of thesupport for temporarily dis-.

abling the pre-selected selector device in a mannor to place apre-selected projecting unit in operative projecting relation withrespect to said screen.

5. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet, a light reflectingmedium within the cabinet," 9, picture screen supported by the cabinetand so positioned as to intercept light reflected from the reflectingmedium, arotatable support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said support in such manner as tobemovable past said light reflecting medium, a motor for impartingmovement tosaid support, selective control means for saidmotor, saidcontrol means including independently operable selective motor disablingmeans operated by movement of the support for arrestingmovement of themotor in such manner as to place a pre-selected projecting unit inoperative projecting relation with respect to said light reflectingmedium. 6. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinot provided with apicture screen, a rotatable support, a plurality of independentlyoperable picture projecting units carried by said support in such manneras to be movable past the screen, a motor for imparting movement to saidsupport, a plurality of switches each having means for controlling themotor circuit and each including an independent motor-disabling meansthere being one switch for each picture projecting unit, selective meansfor energizing any pro-selected: switch and simultaneously setting saidmotor disabling means, means carried by said rotatable support forengaging and operating the selected disabling means in such manner as tostop the motor with a pre-selected projecting unit in operativeprojecting relation with respect to said screen.

'7. An amusement apparatuscomprising a cabinet provided with a picturescreen, a rotatable support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said support in such manner as to bemovable past the screen,

a motor for imparting movement to said support,

unit associated with the pre-selected solenoid. switch is in operativeprojecting relation with respect to said screen. i

8. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabi-.

net having a picture screen, a pedestal within said cabinet having afixed post rising therefrom, a

turn table joumaled on said post, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units. carried by said turn table in such manner as.to

be movable past said screen, a motor for impart-,1.

ing movement to said support, means for selectively operating saidmotor, said means including a plurality of selector devices supported bysaid pedestal, there being one selector device for each projecting unit,each selector device having anindependent selectively operable motor-disabling member, and means movable with said tum table for actuating themotor disabling member of any pre-selected selector device in such.manner as. to deenergize the motor place a preselected projecting unitin operative projecting relation with respect to said screen.

9. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet provided with a picturescreen, a rotatable support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said support in. such manner to bemovable past said screen, a motor for imparting movement to saidsupport, selective control means for said motor, said control meansincluding independently operable. selective motor disabling meansoperable by movement of said support for arresting. movement of themotor in such manner as to place a preselected projecting unit inoperative projecting relation. with respect to said screen, and meanscontrolled by said support and operable by movement thereof foroperating the pre-selected pro-- jectlng unit for a limited. time afterits position with respect to said screen.

An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet provided with a picturescreen, a rotatable support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said support in such manner as to bemovable past said screen, a motor for imparting" movement to saidsupport, selective control means: for said motor, said control meansincluding independently operable selective motor disabling meansoperable by movement of said support for arresting movement of the motorin such manner as to place a pre-s'elected projecting unit in operativeprojecting relation with respect to said screen, a selector switchincluding a. plurality of fixed members each controlling the operationof a picture projecting unit and a complemental movable switch membersecured to and rotative with said support, said selector switch havingmeans for selectively operating a ore-selected projecting unit for alimited time while said unit remains in its pre-selected position.

11. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet provided with a picturescreen, a fixed support within the cabinet, a turn table rotatablymounted. upon said support, a plurality of independently operablepicture projecting units carried by said turn table in such manner as tobe movable past said screen, each unit. including an operating motor, amotor for imparting movement. to said turn table, a plurality ofturntablemotor controlling. switches mounted on. said support, therebeing one switch for each projecting unit, a cam rotatable with saidturn table, selective means for closing the circuit to the respectivemotor controlling switches through any preselected switch, each of thelast mentioned switches including means for projecting a motordisablingextension. into the path of said cam. when said circuit is. closed,,said extension having means. to break the circuit to the motor whenengaged by said cam, so that a pre-selected projecting unit ispositioned. in operative relation. to said screen, a. second selectivevswitch for controlling the circuits to the projecting unit motors, saidlast mentioned. switch including. a movable member which. is rotatable.with said turn table and individual fixedv contact members, one for eachprojecting unit motor, said fixed contacts being so relativelypositioned that as a pre-selected turn table motor switch. is disabled,a circuit is simultaneously closed to the motor of. the pre-selectedprojecting unit, and means for breaking the last mentionedcircuit afteralimited time.

12. An. amusement apparatus comprising. a cabinet, it screen in. saidcabinet, a movable carriage adapted to support a plurality of filmhandling units each threaded with a film strip program, carriageoperating means operatively connected to said carriage and for movingthe same to bring any one of said film strip programs into operativeposition with respect to said screen, an operating circuit for saidcarriage operating means and including a plurality of contactors eachcorresponding to a film program on said carriage, a control meansincluding a plurality of control circuits each corresponding to afilm'program, and each including a. manually operable member forcompleting the control circuit and operating the contactor correspondingto" the film program desired, and means on said carriage relativelylocated thereon to open the contactor in said operating circuitcorresponding to a selected film program and for stopping said carriageoperating means with said selected film program in projecting positionwith respect to said screen.

13. An amusement apparatus comprising acabinet, a screen in saidcabinet, a movable carriage adapted to support a plurality of filmhandling units each threaded with a film strip program, carriageoperating means operatively connected to said carriage and for movingthe same to bringpleting the control circuit and operating the con-'tactor corresponding to the film program desired,

a holding circuit in parallel with all of said control circuits. andincluding a maintaining switch operated by a holding coil connected insaid operating circuit, and means on said carriage relatively locatedthereon to open the contactor in said operating circuitcorresponding toa selected film program, for de-energizing said holding coil to opensaid maintaining switch in the holding circuit, and for stopping saidcarriage operating means with said selected film program in projectingposition with respect to said screen.

4. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet, a screen therein,amovable carriage adapted to support a plurality of film handling unitseach threaded with a film program and movable to bring any one of. saidprograms into projecting position with respect tosaid screen, a motoroperatively connected t'osaid carriage and for moving the same, a motoroperating circuit adaptedto beenergized to operate said motor and moveanother film program into projecting positionwith. respect to said.screen, a projector circuit ineluding a light source for illuminating afilm program, and a contactor means operated by movement of saidcarriage and adapted to energize said projector circuit when a filmprogram is inprojecting position.

15. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet, a screen therein, amovable carriage supporting a plurality of film handling units eachthreaded with a film program, a, motor operatively connected. to saidcarriage and for moving the same. to bring any one of said film handlingunits into operative position with respect to said screen, a motoroperating circuit for energizing said motor selectively to move saidcarriage, film moving means for advancing a film. through said filmhandling units, and a contactor means operated by movement of said.carriage and rendering operative the film moving means for advancingonly the film in that unit which is in operative position with respectto said screen.

16. An amusement apparatus comprising a single projection screen and asingle sound amplifier, a movable carriage adapted to support aplurality of film handling units each threaded with a film stripprogram, carriage operating means operatively connected to said carriageand for moving the same to bring any one 01 said film strip programsinto operative position with respect to said screen and said amplifier,an operating circuit for said carriage operating means and including aplurality of selectors each corresponding to a film program on saidcarriage, a, control means including a plurality of control circuitseach corresponding to a film program and selector, and each including amanually operable member for completing the control circuit andoperating the selector corresponding to the film program desired, meansfor operating'the selected film handling unit, and means preventing suchoperation unless the selected film handling unit is in operativeposition.

17. An amusement apparatus comprising a projection screen. a movablecarriage adapted to support a plurality of film handling units eachthreaded with a film strip program, carria e operating means operativelyconnected .to said carriage and for moving the same to bring any one ofsaid film strip pro rams into operative posir tion with respect to saidscreen, a transformer having a primary windin and a secondary winding, aline'voltage operating circuit for said carria e operating means. icluding a lurality of selectors each corres on in to a film pro ram andincluding the primary windin 01' said transformer. and a control meansincluding a plurality of control circuits all connected to the secondarywindin of said transformer. each control circuit corresponding to a filmrogram and each including a manually operable member for completing thecontrol circuit and operating the selector corres onding to the film proram desired.

18. An amusement ap aratus com rising a cabinet. a li ht proiectionscreen member t ereon, a movable carriage sup orting a pl ralitv of filmhandling units each threaded with a film strip pro ram. proiection meansincluding a light source and for pro ecting a picture image from a filmstrip onto sa d screen. re roducing means including an amplifier and forreproducing a sound record also on said film stri a carriage operatingmeans operatively connected to said carr a e for moving the same to brinany one of said film strip programs into operative position with respectto said screen and said amplifier. an operating circuit for said carriae operating means and including a plurality of selectors each corresonding to a program on said carria e, an operating control meansincluding a plurality of control circuits each corresponding to a filmstrip program, each including a coil for closing the correspondingselector in said operating circuit, and each including a manuallyoperable switch for completing the control circuit corresponding to theprogram desired, means on said carriage relatively located thereon tooperate and open the selector in said operating circuit'corresponding toa selected program to stop said carriage with the selected film stripprogram in projecting position, and an amplifier circuit energized bycompletion of said operating circuit and includin maintaining means tocontinue such energization after said operating circuit has beeninterrupted.-

19. An amusement apparatus comprising a; cabinet, a light projectionscreen member thereon, a movable carriage supporting a plurality of filmhandling units each threaded with a film strip program, projection meansincluding a light' source and for projecting a picture image from afilmstrip onto said screen, reproducing means including an amplifier and forreproducing a sound record also on said film strip, a carriage operatingI means operatively connected to said carriage for moving the same tobring any one of said film strip programs into operative position withrespect to said screen and said amplifier, an operating circuit for saidcarriage operating means and including a plurality of selectors eachcorresponding to a program on said carriage, an operating control meansincluding a plurality of control circuits each corresponding to a filmstrip program, each including a coil for closing the correspondingselector in said operating circuit, and each including a manuallyoperable switch for completing the control circuit corresponding to theprogram desired, means on said carriage relatively located thereon tooperate and open the selector in said operating circuit corresponding toa selected program to stop said carriage with the selected film stripprogram in projecting position, and a contactor means operated bymovement of said carriage and rendering operative the projection meansand reproducing means for projecting and reproducing the selectedprogram.

20. A multifilm motion picture projector providing a viewing apertureand comprising a movable carriage for supporting a plurality of morethan two motion picture film handling units each of which is adapted tocarry a film strip and each including a film rewinding mechanism, saidcarriage simultaneously carrying a plurality of more than two filmstrips, a carriage operating means for moving said carriage to bring anyone of said more than two film strips into operative position relativeto said aperture, a selector means responsive to manual operationscorresponding to each of said plurality of more than two film strips andfor controlling said carriage operating means so that a selected one ofsaid plurality of more than two film strips is operatively positionedand fixed in projecting position relative to said aperture, and filmfeeding means operated in timed relation to said positioning and fixingof said selected film strip and for advancing and rewinding only thesingle film strip so selected and positioned.

21. A multiform motion picture projector providing a viewing apertureand comprising a movable carriage for supporting a plurality of filmhandling units each of which is adapted to carry a film strip program,means for moving said carriage to bring said film strip programindividually into operative position relative to said aperture, a

plurality of manually operable devices each cor responding to each filmprogram, means responsive to the operation of any one of said manuallyoperable devices for interrupting the movement of said carriage when thefilm program corresponding to the selected manually operable device isin operative position relative to said aperture, and means operated intimed relation to said interruption for advancing the selected filmprogram with respect to said aperture. I

'22. An amusement apparatus comprising a cabinet including a screen andat least one light source for illuminating said screen, a movablecarriage for supporting a plurality oi film handling units each of whichis adapted to carry a film strip program, means for moving saidcarriageto bring said film strip programs individually into operative positionrelative to said screen, a plurality of manually operable devices eachcorresponding to each film program, means responsive to the operation ofany one of said manually operable devices for interrupting the movementof said carriage when the film program corresponding to the selectedmanually operable device is ln operative position relative to saidscreen, and means responsive to said interruption for advancing theselected film program with respect to said light source and said screen.

23. An amusement device comprising a cabinet; a screen mounted in saidcabinet; a plurality of magazines each containing an endless film stripand each having fixedly associated therewith a light gate past whichsaid film may be moved; film engaging members associated with eachmagazine and adapted to guide said endless film strip within saidmagazine and past said gate; a magaa zinc carriage upon which saidmagazines are mounted; carriage operating means adapted to move saidmagazines so as to bring their respective associated light gatessuccessively into operative relationship with said screen; a pluralityof manually selectable control circuits, one for each magazine; meansresponsive to the manual selection of any such control circuit forinterrupting the operation of said carriage operating means when thelight gate associated with the magazine corresponding to the selectedcontrol circuit is positioned in operative position to said screen;means responsive to such positioning of saidlight gate andmagazine forsupplying light to pass through the selected light gate and the filmstrip therein to said screen; and means responsive to such positioningfor actuating said endless film strip.

24. An amusement device comprising a cabinet; a screen mounted in saidcabinet; a plurality of magazines each containing an endless roll offilm and each having fixedly associated therewith a light gate pastwhich said film may be moved; film engaging members associated with eachmagazine adapted, when actuated, to draw the film from said roll, movethe same past said gate and return the same to said roll; a magazinecarriage upon which said magazines are mounted; carriage operating meansadapted to move said magazines so as to bring their respectiveassociated light gates successively into operative relationship withsaid screen; a plurality of manually selectable control circuits, onefor each magazine; means responsive to the manual selection of any suchcontrol circuit for interrupting the operation of said carriageoperating means when the light gate associated with the magazinecorresponding to the selected control circuit is positioned in operativerelationship to said screen; means responsive to such positioning ofsaid light gate and magazine for supplying light to pass through theselected light gate and its film to said screen; and means responsive tosuch positioning for actuating said film engaging members.

25. A multifilm motion picture projector providing a viewing apertureand comprising a movable carriage for supporting a plurality of morethan two motion picture film handling units each of which is adapted tocarry a film strip and each including a film rewinding mechanism, saidcarriage simultaneously carrying a plurality of more than two filmstrips, a carriage operating means for moving said carriage to bring anyone of said more than two film strips into operative position relativeto said aperture, a selector means responsive to manual operationscorresponding to each of said plurality of more than two film strips andfor controlling said carriage operating means so that a selected one ofsaid plurality of more than two film strips is operatively positionedandfixed in projection position relative to said aperture, a filmfeeding control means responsive to movement of said carriage andpositioning of a selected film strip in said projecting position, andfilm feeding means controlled by said film feed- I ing control means andfor advancing and rewinding only the single film strip so selected andpositioned.

' JOHN H. McMAHON.

ARTHUR W. MILLER.

